Citrusy Cranberry Crumble Bars

Citrusy Cranberry Crumble Bars are the kind of dessert that instantly brightens the table, especially when you crave something both comforting and fresh. At first bite, the buttery crust feels rich and tender, while the vibrant cranberry filling delivers a perfectly balanced sweet-tart pop. Meanwhile, fresh orange zest weaves in gentle citrus notes that keep every layer lively and light.

Although these bars feel elegant, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. Because the base and crumble topping come from the same dough, the process stays simple and efficient. As a result, these bars are perfect for holiday baking, weekend treats, or anytime you want a bakery-style dessert without extra fuss.

Historically, cranberry desserts became popular in American kitchens once cranberries were widely harvested and preserved. Over time, pairing cranberries with citrus became a classic way to soften their natural tartness. Today, this combination remains timeless for good reason.

Ultimately, these bars slice beautifully, travel well, and deliver bold flavor in every bite—making them a standout addition to any dessert spread.

Recipe Yield: 12 bars

INGREDIENTS

For the crust & crumble
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed
1 large egg
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest

For the cranberry filling
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the crust mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Next, mix in egg, vanilla, and orange zest until the dough is crumbly but holds when pressed.

3. Press the base:
Firmly press about two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan. Set remaining crumble aside.

4. Prepare cranberry filling:
In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened and glossy, about 6–8 minutes.

5. Assemble layers:
Spread cranberry filling evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle reserved crumble evenly on top.

6. Bake and cool:
Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set. Finally, cool completely before slicing for clean bars.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Balance the tartness: If your cranberries are especially sharp, add 1–2 extra tbsp sugar to the filling while cooking for a smoother finish.
• Cleaner slices: For best presentation, chill the bars for 30 minutes before slicing; this helps layers set beautifully.
• Flavor boost: For extra depth, add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the crumble mixture.